Lenten Prayers

Dear Friend,

Lent is the season during which we consider and reconcile the apparent paradoxes of our Christian beliefs. Death and life. Evil and good. Denial and acceptance. Doubt and faith. The dramatic interplay of these themes throughout the Lenten Liturgy gives us the opportunity to reflect upon the public ministry, passion and death of Christ and to deepen our personal acceptance of Him as the Son of God.

Lent is traditionally a season of penance, fasting, abstinence and almsgiving, but all of these have little value unless the messages of Lent are translated into a personal decision of action to improve. The purpose of Lent is not that we remain close to Christ for 40 days, but that we find in 40 days some of the answers that will keep us close to Christ for a lifetime.

As you use this Lenten Prayers booklet, please remember the poor people served by the Missionary Oblates around the world. I ask that you think about how you, along with my fellow Missionary Oblates, can help ease their burden of suffering.

In Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate,

Fr. David P. Uribe, O.M.I. Oblate Chaplain Director

Why Do We Observe Lent?“Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the Gospel.” These

words are spoken on Ash Wednesday as the priest places blessed ashes on our foreheads. This simple sentence points to two important reasons why Christians observe the holy season of Lent – to turn away from whatever keeps us from God and our best selves, and to become ever more faithful to the ideals and values of the Gospel.

The Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ are not just events of a distant time and place. They are living events and they continue to bring salvation to believers in this day and age. The season of Lent is a special opportunity for each of us to participate in the redemption won for us by Christ.

Lent is a special season because it gives us a chance to grow in the spiritual life. The dying and rising of Christ inspires us to die to self so that we can rise to ever closer union with God. During Lent the Church extends to us a special invitation to “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.”

Ash WednesdayOpening Prayer:Lord, as we begin the discipline of Lent, make this season holy by our self-denial. Amen.

Scripture Readings: Joel 2:12-18; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Meditation:How can my Lenten sacrifice make a positive difference in the lives of my family, friends and community?

Closing Prayer:Lord, may our Lenten penance give You glory and bring us Your protection. Amen.

Thursday after Ash WednesdayOpening Prayer:Lord, may everything we do begin with Your inspiration and reach perfection under Your guidance. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Luke 9:22-25

Meditation:In what ways can my actions today be life-giving for the people around me?

Closing Prayer:Merciful Father, may the gifts and blessings we receive bring us pardon and salvation. Amen.

Friday after Ash WednesdayOpening Prayer:Lord, with Your loving care guide the penance we have begun. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 58:1-9a; Matthew 9:14-15

Meditation:How often do I think about and pray for my brothers and sisters in need? What can I do to make their lives better?

Closing Prayer:Lord, free us from our sins and make us worthy of Your healing. Amen.

Saturday after Ash WednesdayOpening Prayer:Father, look upon our weakness and help us with Your loving power. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 58:9b-14; Luke 5:27-32

Meditation:What attitudes and behaviors do I hold onto that keep me from growing closer to God?

Closing Prayer:Lord, we are nourished by the bread of life You give us. Amen.

First Sunday of LentOpening Prayer:Father, help us to understand the meaning of Your Son’s Death and Resurrection. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Genesis 9:8-15; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:12-15

Meditation:How can I increase the awareness of my dignity and worth today, of my status as a son or daughter of God?

Closing Prayer:Lord, make us worthy to receive Your gifts. May our sacrifices help to change our lives. Amen.

Monday of the First Week of LentOpening Prayer:God our Savior, bring us back to You and fill our minds with Your wisdom. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Matthew 25:31-46

Meditation:What can I do today to bear witness to my belief in Jesus and His great love for me?

Closing Prayer:Lord, we rejoice in Your healing power as we experience Your saving love. Amen.

Tuesday of the First Week of LentOpening Prayer:Father, through the discipline of Lent help us grow in our desire for You. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 6:7-15

Meditation:Am I focused on God when I pray? Do I set aside time each day to pray?

Closing Prayer:Lord, help us to restrain our earthly desires and grow in love for the things of Heaven. Amen.

Wednesday of the First Week of LentOpening Prayer:Lord, help us to discipline our bodies and to be renewed in spirit. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 11:29-32

Meditation:Do I speak up for God with the same courage and conviction of Jonah?

Closing Prayer:Father, You never fail to give us the food of life. Renew our strength and bring us to salvation. Amen.

Thursday of the First Week of LentOpening Prayer:Father, by Your Spirit help us to know what is right and to be eager in doing Your will. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Matthew 7:7-12

Meditation:Do I articulate my needs clearly in prayer, confident that God will provide whatever I truly need?

Closing Prayer:Lord, renew us by these mysteries. May they heal us now and bring us eternal salvation. Amen.

Friday of the First Week of LentOpening Prayer:Lord, may our observance of Lent prepare us to celebrate the Death and Resurrection of Christ. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Ezekiel 18:21-28; Matthew 5:20-26

Meditation:What can I do to make peace with someone in my life with whom I need to be reconciled?

Closing Prayer:Lord, may the gifts You give us free us from our sinful ways and bring us new life. Amen.

Saturday of the First Week of LentOpening Prayer:Eternal Father, turn our hearts to You. May we become a people who worship You in spirit and truth. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Matthew 5:43-48

Meditation:What can I do today to transform my anger into love, my resentment into peacemaking?

Closing Prayer:Lord, may the Word we share be our guide to peace. May the food we receive assure us of Your constant love. Amen.

Second Sunday of LentOpening Prayer:God our Father, help us to hear Your Son. Enlighten us with Your Word. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Romans 8:31b-34; Mark 9:2-10

Meditation:How can I deepen my trust in God’s promises to me?

Closing Prayer:Lord, as we call upon Your generosity, renew and keep us in Your love. Amen.

Monday of the Second Week of LentOpening Prayer:God our Father, teach us to find new life through penance and help us live by Your commandment of love. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Daniel 9:4-10; Luke 6:36-38

Meditation:How can I make penance more genuine in my life?

Closing Prayer:Lord, bring us pardon and lead us to the joy of Heaven. Amen.

Tuesday of the Second Week of LentOpening Prayer:Lord, protect us from what could harm us and lead us to what will save us. Help us always, for without You we are bound to fail. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 1:10, 16-20; Matthew 23:1-12

Meditation:God’s forgiveness is final and complete. Do I forgive as God forgives?

Closing Prayer:Lord, bring us Your constant assistance that we may live better lives. Amen.

Wednesday of the Second Week of LentOpening Prayer:Father, teach us to live good lives and bring us to eternal life. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Jeremiah 18:18-20, Matthew 20:17-28

Meditation:Am I willing to suffer and make personal sacrifices for my loved ones, as Jesus did?

Closing Prayer:Lord, may the gifts You give us as a pledge of unending life help us to salvation. Amen.

Thursday of the Second Week of LentOpening Prayer:God of love, send Your Spirit to make us strong in faith and active in good works. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 16:19-31

Meditation:How can I help someone who has fallen away from the Church rediscover the loving presence of Christ?

Closing Prayer:Lord, may the sacrifice we have offered strengthen our faith and be seen in our love for one another. Amen.

Friday of the Second Week of LentOpening Prayer:Merciful Father, may our acts of penance bring us Your forgiveness and open our hearts to Your love. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38

Meditation:Is there someone in my life I need to forgive? Is there someone I need to receive forgiveness from?

Closing Prayer:Lord, change our lives that we may seek more faithfully the salvation You have promised. Amen.

Saturday of the Second Week of LentOpening Prayer:God our Father, in all we do, guide us to the light of Your Kingdom. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Meditation:Am I willing to receive back into my life someone with whom I have had a serious disagreement?

Closing Prayer:Lord, give us the spirit of love and lead us to share in Your life. Amen.

Third Sunday of LentOpening Prayer:Father, when we are discouraged by our weakness, give us confidence in Your love. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Exodus 20:1-17; 1 Corinthians 1:22-25; John 2:13-25

Meditation:When God speaks to me today, will I be attentive to His voice?

Closing Prayer:Lord, may we receive Your forgiveness and be brought together in unity and peace. Amen.

Monday of the Third Week of LentOpening Prayer:God of Mercy, guide us, for we cannot be saved without You. Amen.

Scripture Readings:2 Kings 5:1-15b; Luke 4:24-30

Meditation:What is one of the areas of my life where I will seek healing today?

Closing Prayer:Lord, may we who ask forgiveness be ready to forgive one another. Amen.

Tuesday of the Third Week of LentOpening Prayer:Lord, You continue Your saving work among us. May Your love never abandon us. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Daniel 3:25, 34-43; Matthew 18:21-35

Meditation:Has there been a time recently when I have not shown love to someone in my life?

Closing Prayer:Lord, bring us Your protection, forgiveness and life. Amen.

Wednesday of the Third Week of LentOpening Prayer:Lord, nourish us with Your Word of life and make us one in love and prayer. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Matthew 5:17-19

Meditation:How long has it been since I took the time to read the Bible and meditate on its meaning?

Closing Prayer:Lord, make us holy and prepare us for the eternal life You promise. Amen.

Thursday of the Third Week of LentOpening Prayer:Father, make our love grow each day as we approach the feast of our salvation. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Jeremiah 7:23-28, Luke 11:14-23

Meditation:How can I make my love grow this day as I approach the great Paschal Mystery?

Closing Prayer:Lord, may Your sacrament of life bring us the gift of salvation. Amen.

Friday of the Third Week of LentOpening Prayer:Merciful Father, fill our hearts with Your love and keep us faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Hosea 14:2-10; Mark 12:28-34

Meditation:What are some ways that I can be especially faithful to the Gospel today?

Closing Prayer:Lord, fill us with the power of Your love. Amen.

Saturday of the Third Week of LentOpening Prayer:Lord, may the Death and Resurrection of Christ bring us to the joy of Easter. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Hosea 6:1-6; Luke 18:9-14

Meditation:How can I make a positive impact in the lives of suffering people?

Closing Prayer:God of mercy, may the gifts we receive help us to worship You in truth. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of LentOpening Prayer:Father of peace, let us hasten toward Easter with the eagerness of faith and love. Amen.

Scripture Readings:2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23; Ephesians 2:4-10; John 3:14-21

Meditation:What can I do during these final days of Lent to better prepare myself to celebrate the Resurrection?

Closing Prayer:Father fill our hearts with the light of Your Gospel. Amen.

Monday of the Fourth Week of LentOpening Prayer:Father, Creator, may we grow in Your life and continue to receive Your help on earth. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54

Meditation:What is one thing I can do today to help bring about “new heavens and a new earth?”

Closing Prayer:Lord, may Your gifts bring us holiness and lead us to the happiness of eternal life. Amen.

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of LentOpening Prayer:Father, prepare us to embrace the Paschal Mystery and to proclaim Your salvation. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; John 5:1-16

Meditation:How can I praise God in my prayers and in my actions today?

Closing Prayer:Lord, bring us Your help and lead us to salvation. Amen.

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of LentOpening Prayer:Lord, grant us Your forgiveness as we come before You confessing our guilt. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30

Meditation:I will take time today to reflect on the depth of God’s love for me.

Closing Prayer:Lord, may we always find in Your healing gifts a source of life and salvation. Amen.

Thursday of the Fourth Week of LentOpening Prayer:Merciful Father, may the love within us be seen in what we do and lead us to the joy of Easter. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:31-47

Meditation:How can I be obedient to God and to my brothers and sisters in ways that will enrich our lives?

Closing Prayer:Lord, our sins bring us sorrow but Your promise of salvation brings us joy. Amen.

Friday of the Fourth Week of LentOpening Prayer:Father, may we reach out with joy to grasp Your hand and walk more readily in Your ways. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Meditation:How do I react when I am falsely accused? Do I follow the example of Jesus?

Closing Prayer:Lord, keep us from our sinful ways and help us to continue in the new life. Amen.

Saturday of the Fourth Week of LentOpening Prayer:Lord, guide us in Your gentle mercy, for left to ourselves we cannot do Your will. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Jeremiah 11:18-20; John 7:40-53

Meditation:Do I extend to others the same mercy that I seek from the Lord?

Closing Prayer:Lord, may the power of Your gifts free us from sin and help us to please You. Amen.

Fifth Sunday of LentOpening Prayer:Father, help us to be like Christ Your Son, Who loved the world and died for our salvation. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 5:7-9; John 12:20-33

Meditation:When others make mistakes, am I quick to hurl angry words at them?

Closing Prayer:Lord, protect Your people from every evil. Help us to serve You with all our hearts. Amen.

Monday of the Fifth Week of LentOpening Prayer:Father of love, prepare us for the glory of Your Kingdom. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; John 8:1-11

Meditation:How can I help someone who is facing a severe illness prepare to enter into eternal life?

Closing Prayer:Father, through Your grace may we follow Christ more faithfully. Amen.

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of LentOpening Prayer:Lord, help us to do Your will, that Your Church may become more faithful. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Numbers 21:4-9; John 8:21-30

Meditation:Is there a way I can improve my service to the Lord today?

Closing Prayer:All-powerful God, make us worthy to attain the gift of Heaven. Amen.

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of LentOpening Prayer:Father of mercy, hear the prayers of Your repentant children who call on You in love. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; John 8:31-42

Meditation:Is there a way to ensure that I will set aside time each day to place myself in the presence of God?

Closing Prayer:Lord, remove sin from our hearts and make us grow strong under Your constant protection. Amen.

Thursday of the Fifth Week of LentOpening Prayer:Lord, come to us: free us from the stain of our sins. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Genesis 17:3-9; John 8:51-59

Meditation:Is there a sin in my life that causes a strain on my relationship with God?

Closing Prayer:Merciful Lord, accept the sacrifice we offer You that it may help us grow in holiness. Amen.

Friday of the Fifth Week of LentOpening Prayer:Lord, grant us Your forgiveness, and set us free from our sins. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Jeremiah 20:10-13; John 10:31-42

Meditation:What can I do today to perform God’s works and show that I am His son or daughter?

Closing Prayer:Lord, may we always receive Your protection and keep us safe from all harm. Amen.

Saturday of the Fifth Week of LentOpening Prayer:God our Father, protect all who are about to become Your children, and continue to bless those who are already baptized. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Ezekiel 37:21-28; John 11:45-56

Meditation:How can I help to protect the children in my life from evil, and show them the love of God?

Closing Prayer:Father, we thank You for nourishing us with the Body and Blood of Christ. Amen.

Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday)Opening Prayer:Today we honor Christ our King. May we honor You today by living in Him. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2:6-11; Mark 14:1-15:47

Meditation:How can I pay homage to Christ the King in my life today?

Closing Prayer:Lord, may the Resurrection of Your Son give us perseverance and lead us to salvation. Amen.

Monday of Holy WeekOpening Prayer:All-powerful God, strengthen and protect us in our weakness. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11

Meditation:How will I remember that Jesus is a king who suffered for me and all humanity?

Closing Prayer:God of mercy, be close to Your people and watch over us. Amen.

Tuesday of Holy WeekOpening Prayer:Father, may we receive Your mercy as we celebrate the Passion and Death of the Lord. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 49:1-6; John 13:21-33, 36-38

Meditation:I will remember today that Jesus’ death is my pathway to eternal life.

Closing Prayer:God of mercy, may the sacrament of salvation bring us a share in Your life forever. Amen.

Wednesday of Holy WeekOpening Prayer:Father, as we meditate on the suffering and death of Your Son, so may we come to share the glory of His Resurrection. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 50:4-9a; Matthew 26:14-25

Meditation:When faced with evil, do I try to imitate Jesus’ example of nonviolent love?

Closing Prayer:All-powerful God, increase our faith in Your saving power. Amen.

Holy ThursdayOpening Prayer:Father, help us to be faithful witnesses in the world to the salvation Christ won for all humankind. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15

Meditation:What can I do to share my bread with the hungry, and my love with those in need?

Closing Prayer:Father, look with love upon Your people, the love which our Lord Jesus Christ showed by suffering the agony of the cross. Amen.

Good FridayOpening Prayer:Lord, in Your goodness, make us holy and watch over us always. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 4:14-5:9; John 18:1-19:42

Meditation:I will take time today to reflect and give thanks for the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for me and for the world.

Closing Prayer:Almighty God, may we be united with You and Your people in the meal we hope to share in Your eternal Kingdom. Amen.

Easter VigilOpening Prayer:Father, may we share in the light of Your glory through Your Son, the Light of the world. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Isaiah 55:1-11; Matthew 28:1-10

Meditation:What can I do to give of myself to others in gratitude for all that God has done for me?

Closing Prayer:Father, may the goodness You show us now confirm our hope in Your future mercy. Amen.

Easter SundayOpening Prayer:God our Father, by raising Christ Your Son You conquered the power of death and opened for us the way to eternal life. Amen.

Scripture Readings:Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-9

Meditation:Jesus Christ is risen today. This is our triumphant holy day. Alleluia!

Father of love, watch over Your Church and bring us to the glory of the Resurrection.

Amen.

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Guided by Mary Immaculate to serve those in need.

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate were founded in 1816 by St. Eugene De Mazenod, O.M.I.

Now nearly 4,000 Oblate priests and brothers serve the People of God in more than 60 countries.

The Oblates were called “Specialists of the Most Difficult Missions” by Pope Pius XI.

The Oblates’ mission is to preach the Good News of salvation. The Oblates celebrate the sacraments,

feed and shelter the poor, care for orphaned and abused children and nurture the sick and elderly.

The Oblates offer spiritual guidance to pilgrims at the Sacred Grotto of Lourdes in France. And

in the United States, they welcome all to pray and be inspired at their spiritual home, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.